There’s plenty to like about the Ford Focus. It’s decent to drive, practical and available with plenty of equipment.
It’s not the easiest of ranges to get your head around though, with a dizzying number of trims and engines available.
All current Ford Focus hatchback models have a five-door body so they’re broadly the same in terms of practicality.
The question is, which engine should you go for and which of the seven trim levels?
Below we’ve picked a shortlist based on different criteria to help you narrow your choice down if you’ve decided that a Focus is the car for you.
Best for running costs: 1.6 TDCi Edge ECOnetic
An amazingly low CO2 emissions output of 88g/km makes the 1.6-litre diesel Edge trim Focus the cleanest in the line-up, meaning ultra-low BIK tax rates.
It’s also extremely fuel-efficient, averaging a claimed 83mpg. Even if you don’t quite achieve that in day-to-day driving, you still won’t need to visit the pumps too often.
As an ECOnetic badged model, it features various energy-saving measures including longer gearing and low rolling resistance tyres. To improve aerodynamics it also uses steel wheels with plastic wheel trims, which admittedly means it doesn’t look quite as smart as some other derivatives.
As an Edge trim variant (one up from the entry-level Studio) it features body-colour door handles, a trip computer and an alarm, along with the Focus’ standard air-conditioning, remote central locking and USB connectivity for the audio system.
Figures at a glance
P11D value: £18,090
CO2 emissions: 88g/km
2013/14 BIK Tax Band: 13%
Claimed average fuel consumption: 83mpg
Monthly tax for 20 percent tax payer (not including optional equipment): £39
Cheapest Focus in the range is the entry-level Studio trim, which is available with one engine – a 1.6-litre petrol averaging 47mpg and emitting 136g/km of CO2.
It may be the most basic Focus in terms of equipment but you still get 16-inch alloy wheels, electric mirrors and windows, air-conditioning, electronic stability control and USB connectivity – nearly as much kit as the more expensive Edge trim, which is the next level up. Bear in mind there’s no Bluetooth connectivity though, a particularly important feature for business drivers.
Because the Studio has such a low list price, it depreciates less than the Edge – losing up to five percent less of its value over three years.
Figures at a glance
P11D value: £13,815
CO2 emissions: 136g/km
2013/14 BIK Tax Band: 19%
Claimed average fuel consumption: 47.6mpg
Monthly tax for 20 percent tax payer (not including optional kit): £44
Best for driving fun: 1.0 EcoBoost Zetec S
We’d love to suggest you go for the Ford Focus ST, a riotous hot hatch that will turn your commute into a rally stage and put a smile on your face every time you get behind the wheel.
With thirsty fuel consumption and a CO2 output of 169g/km, however, it’s not really ideal company car material.
As a more affordable option, you might want to look at the 1.0-litre petrol EcoBoost Zetec S. Squeezing 124bhp from just one litre and three cylinders, it’s an engine that really does punch above its weight and makes a characterful sound while doing it.
And with CO2 emissions of 114g/km CO2 it’s a genuine petrol alternative to the usual diesel company car choices. Claimed average fuel consumption is 56mpg although when we’ve tested EcoBoost models they haven’t always matched claimed figures in everyday driving.
The Zetec S trim is aimed at keen drivers, with stiffer suspension to help reduce body roll along with a more aggressive-looking bodykit and roof spoiler, 17-inch alloys and LED tail-lights. It also includes digital radio, Bluetooth connectivity, a heated windscreen and expanded interior storage.
Figures at a glance
P11D value: £18,990
CO2 emissions: 114g/km
2013/14 BIK Tax Band: 14%
Claimed average fuel consumption: 56mpg
Monthly tax for 20 percent tax payer (not including optional kit): £44
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Best middle ground: 1.6 TDCi ECOnetic Zetec
This version offers a good mix of power, low emissions, running costs and equipment.
Zetec trim sits in the middle of the Ford Focus equipment range and includes 16-inch alloys, heated windscreen and mirrors, front fog lights, DAB digital radio and Ford’s ‘SYNC’ Bluetooth and voice control system.
You could also go for the Zetec Navigator version, which includes sat-nav.
The 1.6-litre TDCi diesel engine in ECOnetic trim offers CO2 emissions below the 100g/km mark for low tax costs and averages an excellent claimed 76mpg.We easily averaged more than 60mpg in general driving when we tested the car earlier in the year.
It’s certainly not the fastest Focus in the line-up but performance is reasonable nonetheless, with more than 100bhp on tap and a usable 270Nm of pulling power.
Figures at a glance
P11D value: £18,590
CO2 emissions: 99g/km
2013/14 BIK Tax Band: 14%
Claimed average fuel consumption: 76.4mpg
Monthly tax for 20 percent tax payer (not including optional kit): £43
If you’re willing to stretch your budget, opting for the top Titanium X trim gives you a huge list of standard equipment.
As for optional extras, there are plenty available and you may want to check out in particular:
Satellite navigation – available as an option on Zetec trim upwards and standard on ‘Navigator’ variants.
Family pack – electric child proof rear door locks and rear seat belt reminder system
Driver assistance pack – Lane Keeping Alert and Lane Keeping Aid (helps to steer the car back on course if it drifts across a white line), Auto High Beam (dips the headlights automatically if there’s traffic ahead), Blind Spot Information System and Active City Stop (automatically applies the brakes in a low-speed emergency stop situation).
There are plenty of other Focus derivatives in the range, and to get the full picture you can check out our full Ford Focus review here and read our road tests of different derivatives here.